Holiday season brings out the worst in thieves.

Tuesday

Authorities are beginning to see an increase in car crimes as the holiday season begins, said Kat Anderson, crime prevention coordinator for the South Plains Auto Theft Task Force.

Plenty of opportunity attracts thieves, she added.

A distracted shopper in high-traffic areas attracts thieves, so shoppers need to think about what they're leaving behind in their cars.

"We're not in a safe town anymore," Anderson said. "After you leave your car, turn around and say 'is there something in my car a thief would want?'"

Sgt. Jonathan Stewart with LPD said officers generally see an increase in car crimes during the holidays because more people are out and about.

"Keep windows up and doors locked," said Stewart. "A lot of what we see are people checking doors. If they grab on a door handle and the door is locked, they usually move on."

Something as simple as a garage door opener hanging from the visor can cost someone more than a set of wheels.

"Thieves smash and grab," said Anderson. "If you have your insurance card in your vehicle, and they find a garage door opener, they'll have your address and be able to break into your home before you realize anything even happened."

Cars left with their motors running or items of value left out in the open provide prime pickings for thieves, she said.

"Thieves are always watching," Anderson explained. "About 50 percent of stolen vehicles are the result of keys being left in the car. They see an opportunity for a ride and a place to stay warm when a vehicle is left running by itself."

It is illegal in the state of Texas to leave your car running in a public area and can result in a fine up to $500.

Though residents may find it safe to leave their car running in front of their homes, it's just as likely to get hijacked.

In October, a Lubbock resident had his car stolen from his driveway after leaving a set of keys in the console.

Police said the vehicle was retrieved Nov. 26 when officers saw it being used to load stolen goods into a home.

"Never leave your keys in the vehicle, even if you are away from your car for a short period of time," Stewart said.

Anderson said cars are generally getting stolen to commit another crime.

"Thieves don't want to use their own vehicle to commit," said Anderson. "F250s and 350s are the most popular and are typically stripped down to smuggle in drugs or illegal aliens. The most important thing is to remember that people are always watching, think like a thief and don't leave anything in your car that didn't come from the factory."

To comment on this story:

ariel.kirkland@lubbockonline.com

• 766-8742

leesha.faulkner@lubbockonline.com • 766-8706

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